Inspect mode in Figma - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Inspect mode in Figma helps you see detailed design information like colors, fonts, and measurements. It solves the problem of guessing design specs when handing off to developers or analysts.

When you need exact color codes from a design to use in your report or dashboard.

When you want to know the font size and style used in a chart label.

When you need to measure the spacing between elements to keep your visuals consistent.

When you want to check the exact dimensions of a button or icon in a design.

When you are collaborating with developers and need to share precise design details.

Steps

Step 1: Open your design file

- Figma desktop app or web app

Your design project appears on the canvas

Step 2: Click the Inspect tab

- Right sidebar next to Design and Prototype tabs

Inspect panel opens showing detailed properties of the selected element

Step 3: Select any element on the canvas

- Design canvas

Inspect panel updates to show that element's colors, fonts, sizes, and CSS code

Step 4: Scroll through the Inspect panel

- Right sidebar Inspect tab

You see measurements, spacing, and code snippets for the selected element

Step 5: Copy any value or code

- Inspect panel next to the property you want

Value or code is copied to your clipboard for use in your BI tool or code

Before vs After

Before

Right sidebar shows only Design tab with style editing options

After

Right sidebar shows Inspect tab with detailed element properties and code snippets

Settings Reference

Inspect panel

📍 Right sidebar in Figma app

Switch between design editing, prototyping, and inspecting element details

Default: Design

Code format

📍 Inspect panel dropdown

Choose the code snippet format to copy for developers

Default: CSS

Common Mistakes

Not selecting an element before opening Inspect mode

Inspect panel shows no details if no element is selected

Always click on an element on the canvas first to see its properties in Inspect mode

Copying values without checking code format

Code snippets may not match the target platform if wrong format is chosen

Select the correct code format (CSS, iOS, Android) in Inspect panel before copying

Summary

Inspect mode shows exact design details like colors, fonts, and sizes for any element.

It helps you get precise specs for building dashboards or sharing with developers.

Remember to select an element first and choose the right code format before copying.